UEFA CUP: Kovacevic Hat Trick Helps Juve Move On
Copyright � 1999 Nando Media
Copyright � 1999 Agence France-Presse
PALERMO, Sicily (September 30, 1999 11:44 p.m. EDT http://www.sportserver.com) - Juventus stormed into
the second round of the UEFA Cup on Thursday as Yugoslav striker Darko Kovacevic claimed a hat trick in its 5-0 win over Omonia Nicosia.
Juventus, 10-2 aggregate winners, had the luxury of starting
with French playmaker Zinedine Zidane and striker Filippo
Inzaghi on the bench.
Kovacevic, struggling to make an impact since his $19
million close season move from Real Sociedad, took full
advantage of a rare starting place.
The tall Serb headed in a cross from Jonathan Bachini to
open the scoring against the Cypriot side in the 21st minute and
added a second two minutes after the break with a well-placed
right-foot strike from 20 metres.
Alessio Tacchinardi made it 3-0 in the 55th minute as he
finished off a flowing move with a powerful shot from close
range.
Kovacevic completed his treble two minutes from time,
tapping in after Inzaghi had headed down an Antonio Conte cross.
Conte completed the rout with a final-minute header from a
cross from Bachini.
Juventus, European champions in 1985 and 1996, are seeking
their fourth UEFA Cup trophy.
The game was staged in Palermo rather than Turin to give
Juventus's country-wide fan club a chance to see the team play.
